Gemologist programs

Enrolling in a program at the Netherlands Gem Laboratory means gaining professional knowledge under the guidance of the best experts, using outstanding facilities. Certified according to the strict standards of the renowned Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A), our programs meet the highest international requirements. The Gem Laboratory offers the following programs.

Foundation in Gemmology

This introductory program covers basic gemology and is essential for the Diploma in Gemmology program. In Great Britain, Gem-A’s Foundation in Gemmology has Level 4 accreditation, making it an authentic Certificate of Higher Education.

• Start: January 2023 (exams in June 2023) 
• Frequency: every other week on Monday 
• Time: 9:30am - 4:30pm
• Cost: €3,225 in 2022, an update will follow for 2023
• Location: Netherlands Gem Laboratory, Darwinweg 2, Leiden

Diploma in Gemmology

As a graduate of this program, you will have a solid training in gemology and may apply to be a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, which will entitle you to use the internationally recognized letters "FGA" after your name. In 2012, Gem-A’s Diploma in Gemmology was assessed as a "Level 6" qualification in the UK, which is the equivalent of a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree.

• Start: Monday, October 10, 2022 (exams in June 2023)
• Frequency: every other week on Monday
• Time: 9:30am - 4:30pm
• Cost: €4,850 (€4,950 after other preliminary training, such as FEEG, etc.)
• Location: Netherlands Gem Laboratory, Darwinweg 2 , Leiden

The cost includes course materials (including textbook and a foundation instrument kit containing a magnifying glass (10x), tweezers, cleaning cloth, spectroscope, dichroscope, folding polariscope and conoscope, Chelsea color filter, and various lights), and admission to the exam in Leiden; does not include VAT (if you register as a company, you can apply to reclaim the VAT).

The gemmology programs are taught in English.